Geron (NasdaqGS:GERN) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 25, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAhmed ElNawawi - EVP and Chief Commercial OfficerCorinne Johnson - Managing DirectorDawn Schottlandt - Senior VP, Investor Relations, and Corporate AffairsHarout Semerjian - President and CEOJoseph Eid - EVP of Research and DevelopmentMichelle Robertson - EVP, CFO and, TreasurerConference Call ParticipantsEmily Bodnar - Biotech Equity Research AnalystGil Blum - Senior Biotech AnalystStephen Willey - Managing Direct ...

Geron (NasdaqGS:GERN) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 25, 2026 08:00 AM ET Speaker8Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to Dawn Schottlandt, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs. You may begin.Speaker2Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the Geron Corporation fourth quarter 2025 earnings conference call. Before we begin, please note that during the course of this presentation and question and answer session, we will be ma ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is preparing to file its New Drug Application (NDA) for bitopertin in October, with a potential PDUFA date between June and October of the following year, marking a significant milestone for the company [4][5][11] - The company reported a strong reduction in protoporphyrin-9 (PP9) levels with a P-value of less than 0.001, indicating clinically meaningful results from its phase 2 studies [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lead program, bitopertin, is focused on treating erythropoietic protoporphyria, with plans for an accelerated approval pathway [4][5] - The second program is expected to present data on anemia of myelofibrosis and anemia of chronic kidney disease at upcoming conferences [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company identified approximately 14,000 diagnosed patients in the U.S. for its lead indication, with expectations for rapid enrollment in clinical trials [19] - The market for bitopertin is expected to be significant, with pricing comparisons to existing therapies like Scenesse, which is priced at $300,000 to $350,000 per year [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing disease awareness and ensuring that healthcare providers are informed about available therapies for rare diseases [23][24] - The company plans to leverage claims data to identify and engage with physicians who treat diagnosed patients, enhancing its commercial strategy [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory pathway for bitopertin, citing positive interactions with the FDA regarding the use of PP9 as a surrogate endpoint [11][12] - The company is well-funded with $650 million on its balance sheet, providing a runway into 2028 to support ongoing trials and commercial preparations [62] Other Important Information - The company has orphan drug designation for bitopertin, providing seven years of market exclusivity in the U.S. [37] - The company is also exploring additional indications for its iron modulation programs, indicating a broad pipeline strategy [62] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you recap the interactions with the FDA regarding the accelerated approval path for bitopertin? - Management detailed a series of meetings with the FDA that confirmed the rationale for an accelerated approval pathway based on phase 2 data and the use of PP9 as a surrogate endpoint [11][12] Question: What are the key differences between the Apollo and Aurora trials? - The Apollo trial will focus on measuring the time patients can spend in light as a co-primary endpoint, alongside the reduction of PP9 levels [19][20] Question: How does the company plan to address the patient population for bitopertin? - The company plans to segment the patient population based on engagement with healthcare providers, identifying approximately 6,000 engaged patients and 8,000 less engaged patients [27][28] Question: What is the expected pricing strategy for bitopertin? - The company anticipates pricing in line with existing therapies for rare diseases, potentially around $300,000 to $350,000 per year [36] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape for its anemia treatments? - Management highlighted the significant unmet need in treating anemia in myelofibrosis, positioning their drug as the only one currently in development for this indication [43][44]